Maine’s moose got a break this winter and survival rate improved

A moose drinks from a mud puddle on Route 11 just north of Patten in 2013. Calf survival was higher this winter than last in Maine, biologists report. Staff photo by Gabe Souza

It was a good winter to be a moose in Maine.

Despite struggles in recent years, Maine’s state animal had an improved survival rate during the winter. State moose biologist Lee Kantar said state data show about half of moose calves studied in western Maine have survived this year.

That’s much better than last year, when nearly three-fourths died. Moose calves studied in northern Maine also did well, and survival rates were improved for adult moose.

“Survival of calves is much improved this year and the adult mortality is very low,” Kantar said, adding that the results are part of a multiyear study that is scheduled to continue through 2020.

Moose populations have fallen in the northern New England states in recent years, and Maine’s moose population is thought to have fallen from 76,000 five years ago to between 60,000 and 70,000 today. The animals have struggled with parasites such as winter ticks. However, there were positive signs this year around the region.

Vermont reported that five of 30 collared moose calves died this winter. In New Hampshire, only one collared calf died – down from nearly 75 percent the previous year. New Hampshire’s moose biologist has said one factor was drought, as many of the ticks that feed on moose died because they were unable to access moisture.

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